Labour peer Viscount Simon, 73, asked:: “In a programme some months ago on the BBC it was stated that this country has the largest production of baked beans and the largest consumption of baked beans in the world.”

“‘Could you say whether this affects the calculation of global warming by the Government as a result of the smelly emission resulting therefrom?”Lady Verma described his question as “different” but answered it nonetheless.

She added: “You do actually raise a very important point, which is we do need to moderate our behaviour.”

But beans producers Heinz do not seem worried about the warning.

Spokesman Nigel Dickie said: “I think Brits, as the number one baked bean lovers in the world, are going to continue to enjoy their beans.”